People who bought this also bought...

The Warden

Anthony Trollope's classic novel centers on Mr. Harding, a clergyman of great personal integrity whose charitable income far exceeds the purpose for which it was intended. On discovering this, young John Bold turns his reforming zeal toward exposing what he regards as an abuse of privilege, despite the fact that he is in love with Mr. Harding's daughter, Eleanor.

Can You Forgive Her?

Trollope inextricably binds together the issues of parliamentary election and marriage, of politics and privacy. The values and aspirations of the governing stratum of Victorian society are ruthlessly examined and none remains unscathed. But it is above all on the predicament of women that Trollope focuses. ‘What should a woman do with her life?’ asks Alice Vavasor of herself, and this theme is echoed by every other woman in the novel.

The Way We Live Now

In this world of bribes, vendettas and swindling, in which heiresses are gambled and won, Trollope's characters embody all the vices: Lady Carbury is 'false from head to foot'; her son Felix has 'the instincts of a horse, not approaching the higher sympathies of a dog'; and Melmotte - the colossal figure who dominates the book - is a 'horrid, big, rich scoundrel... a bloated swindler... a vile city ruffian'.

Mary Barton: A Tale of Manchester Life

When her father assassinates Henry Carson, his employer's son and Mary's admirer, suspicion falls on Mary's second admirer, Jem, a fellow worker. Mary has to prove her lover's innocence without incriminating her own father.

Vanity Fair [AudioGo]

Set during the time of the Napoleonic Wars, this classic gives a satirical picture of a worldly society. The novel revolves around the exploits of the impoverished but beautiful and devious Becky Sharp.

Middlemarch

Dorothea Brooke is an ardent idealist who represses her vivacity and intelligence for the cold, theological pedant Casaubon. One man understands her true nature: the artist Will Ladislaw. But how can love triumph against her sense of duty and Casaubon’s mean spirit? Meanwhile, in the little world of Middlemarch, the broader world is mirrored: the world of politics, social change, and reforms, as well as betrayal, greed, blackmail, ambition, and disappointment.

North and South

Set in the context of Victorian social and medical debate, this novel is about rebellion, posing fundamental questions about the nature of social authority and obedience. This revised edition draws on recent theoretical work on gender and class.

Cranford

Elizabeth Gaskell's comic portrait of early Victorian life in a country town describes with poignant wit the uneventful lives of its lady-like inhabitants, offering an ironic commentary on the separate spheres and diverse experiences of men and women. As the external world necessarily impinges even on Cranford, the unlikely juxtapositions of old and new brought about by the pace of change are also explored.

Dr Wortles School

Dr. Wortle's School... is Trollope's most merciless attack on the false moralising and hypocrisy of the Victorian age. When Dr. Wortle, in good faith, hires a couple as teacher and matron at his school, scandal about their marriage is subsequently brought to light. Will the doctor submit to the social pressures brought to bear on him by the gossip, the local newspaper and the bishop or hold true to his humanism, perhaps losing his respect, school and livelihood as a result?

Daniel Deronda

Meeting by chance at a gambling hall in Europe, the separate lives of Daniel Deronda and Gwendolen Harleth are immediately intertwined. Daniel, an Englishman of uncertain parentage, becomes Gwendolyn's redeemer as she finds herself drawn to his spiritual and altruistic nature after a loveless marriage. But Daniel's path was already set when he rescued a young Jewess from suicide.

Shirley

Set in the industrialising England of the Napoleonic wars, a period of bad harvests, Luddite riots, and economic unrest, Shirley is the story of two contrasting heroines and the men they love. One is the shy Caroline Helstone, trapped in the oppressive atmosphere of a Yorkshire rectory, whose life represents the plight of single women in the 19th century. The other is the vivacious Shirley Keeldar, who inherits a local estate and whose wealth liberates her from convention.

The Mayor of Casterbridge

Michael Henchard gets drunk at a fair and sells his wife and child for five guineas to a sailor. Henchard proves to be violent, selfish, greedy and crude, yet at the same time he is magnanimous and humble.

Persuasion

Anne Elliot has grieved for seven years over the loss of her first love, Captain Frederick Wentworth. But events conspire to unravel the knots of deceit and misunderstanding in this beguiling and gently comic story of love and fidelity.

Mansfield Park

Shy, fragile Fanny Price is the consummate "poor relation". Sent to live with her wealthy uncle Thomas, she clashes with his spoiled, selfish daughters and falls in love with his son. Their lives are further complicated by the arrival of a pair of witty, sophisticated Londoners, whose flair for flirtation collides with the quiet, conservative country ways of Mansfield Park.

The Complete Barchester Chronicles (Dramatisation)

Here is a new audio edition of the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 dramatisations of Anthony Trollope's gently satirical tales of provincial life, available together in one download. Nearly 20 hours of ironic, witty, and wonderfully written drama is contained in this audiobook. The cast includes Anna Massey, Alex Jennings, David Haig, Rosemary Leach, Kenneth Cranham, Emma Fielding, and Brenda Blethyn.

Adam Bede

George Eliot's first full-length novel Adam Bede is a profound rendering of 19th century English pastoral life. This timeless story of seduction and betrayal follows the virtuous carpenter Adam Bede, whose world is soon disrupted when the all-too-beautiful Hetty betrays him for another villager. Her actions precipitate a turmoil of tragic events that shake the very foundations of their serene rural community.

A Pair of Blue Eyes

Hardy's third novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes, follows the story of Elfride Swancourt. The daughter of the rector of Endelstow, a sparse, sea-swept parish in Cornwall, Elfride is caught between two suitors of very different backgrounds: Stephen Smith, a young architect restoring the old parish church; and the respectable, older man of London society, Henry Knight. The blue-eyed and high-spirited protagonist must untangle the conflicting messages of her heart and her mind.

Nicholas Nickleby

The most gorgeously theatrical of all Dickens's novels, Nicholas Nickleby follows the delightful adventures of a hearty young hero in 19th-century England. Nicholas, a gentleman's son fallen upon hard times, must set out to make his way in the world. His journey is accompanied by some of the most swaggering scoundrels and unforgettable eccentrics in Dickens's pantheon.

The Woman in White

One of the greatest mystery thrillers ever written, Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White was a phenomenal best seller in the 1860s, achieving even greater success than works by Charles Dickens. Full of surprise, intrigue, and suspense, this vastly entertaining novel continues to enthrall audiences today.

Wives and Daughters

Set in English society before the 1832 Reform Bill, Wives and Daughters centers on the story of youthful Molly Gibson, brought up from childhood by her father. When he remarries, a new stepsister enters Molly's quiet life, the loveable, but worldly and troubling, Cynthia. The narrative traces the development of the two girls into womanhood within the gossiping and watchful society of Hollingford.

Ruth

The orphaned heroine Ruth, apprenticed to a dressmaker, is seduced and then abandoned by wealthy Henry Bellingham. Shamed in the eyes of society by her illegitimate son, and yet rejecting the opportunity to marry her seducer, Ruth finds a path that affirms we are not bound to repeat our mistakes.

The Grand Sophy

Resourceful, adventurous and utterly indefatigable, Sophy is hardly the mild-mannered girl that the Rivenhalls expect when they agree to take her in. Kind-hearted Aunt Lizzy is shocked; stern Cousin Charles and his humorless fiancée Eugenia are disapproving.With her inimitable mixture of exuberance and grace Sophy soon sets about endearing herself to her family, but finds herself increasingly drawn to her cousin. Can she really be falling in love with him, and he with her? And what of his betrothal to Eugenia?

Julian Fellowes's Belgravia

Julian Fellowes's Belgravia is the story of a secret. A secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London's grandest postcode. Set in the 1840s, when the upper echelons of society began to rub shoulders with the emerging industrial nouveau riche, Belgravia is peopled by a rich cast of characters. But the story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At the Duchess of Richmond's new legendary ball, one family's life will change forever.

Publisher's Summary

The first of Trollope's Barsetshire novels, The Warden concerns the moral dilemma of the Reverend Septimus Harding, who finds himself at the centre of a bitter conflict between defenders of Church privilege and the reformers of the mid-Victorian period.

Along with some romance, this is a broadside of satire directed at the gentlemen of the press and of the law. Anthony Trollope beards the lion in its den with this story of the power of a self-important press to inflict great damage on individuals and institutions. Under the guise of public interest reform, a newspaper runs stories which result in the resignation of a decent and kind old man Mr. Harding, as well as the virtual shut down of a charitable, well run, old folk's home. While these are matters of no moment to the newspaper editor except as sensational stories which sells papers, there is real pain and damage inflicted on the innocent. One might conclude from this book: doing what is lawful is not always the same as doing what is right or just. I just love the way this gentle, easily guided, old man takes matters into his own hands and overturns the apple carts and plans of those who considered themselves better suited to guide him than his own principles.

Timothy West's performance of this work cannot be praised enough. He somehow manages the trick of capturing Trollope's brand of humor and subtle jabs and making it accessible to the listener.

The book is simply beautiful and the narration is perfect. A sheer joy from start to end.If you like Trollope, you must read this book and the others in the series. Timothy West is the perfect reader for this work. Brilliant!

This is my second book by Trollope and definitely not the last. Each sentence is beautifully written and frequently witty. I find myself fascinated by the ability of this author to put in words the human condition with all it's excentricities and weaknesses as well as strengths. I often find myself smiling while listening when he not so subtlely describes a character's feelings, weaknesses, fears, whatever. He cuts to the chase and says it like it is but does so in the most beautifully written way. I just love listening to Timothy West. I believe he is reading these novels exactly as they were meant to be read. I intend to continue interspersing these books in between lighter reading of mystery, murder and mayhem!

This book was written in 1852. I was unaware of A. Trollope until I read a comment about him in a book I recently finished "The Invisible Women" about Ternan and Dickens. I looked him up on Audible and read the various reviews by readers and decided to give him a try. The book is a beautifully written satire. I enjoyed the more flowery language of the Victorian age and I also got side tracked noting the societal change that have occurred since the 1850s. The story is of Reverend Septimus Harding who got caught up in the conflict between defenders of church privilege and the reformers of the Victorian age. Enjoyed the repartee between the characters. Timothy West did a great job narrating the story.

I just finished a five-month long romp through the entire set of Anthony Trollope's Barchester Chronicles. Each one builds on the last, with earlier characters forming the background for the protagonists of the day. The final book (The Last Chronicle of Barset) is perhaps the best, as he has rounded out his style and he does not give everyone a happy ending. The Warden contains a good bit of social commentary about the power of the press, and in particular the power of a celebrity op-ed columnist. As with all of the books in this set, the characters are vivid and their conversations wonderful.

I had not read any of Anthony Trollpe's books previously and now am hooked and working my way through them all... In my opinion, much better than Dickens. A thoroughly enjoyable "read" and Timothy West is outstanding. Recommended highly.

This was an interesting book but the satire is lost on modern readers. You had to know that The Jupiter newspaper was really The Times and that various characters were swipes at Charles Dickens and other authors and journalists for it to be amusing or even to make sense.

Timothy West does an excellent job as a narrator and I enjoyed the book enough to give the next in the series of the Barchester Chronicles a go but its not really grabbed me ... yet!

Absolutely! Timothy West is one of the best readers I've ever heard (going back to "Books on Tape")! Stories are leisurely and engrossing, and I both read AND listen. So much of mid-19th century events and culture resonate with today's world, and I see why Churchill is said to have always had a book by Trollope on hand. New to me, but so glad to have discovered his books. Get a feeling for them with the BBC movies or TV adaptations, then go to the books. For me right now, Dickens has just a bit better writing, but stories are darker and more intense. Trollope has so many valid insights into different characters' personalities, a few laugh out loud moments, and vivid characters. I like reading them in order, and this is the first of the Barchester series and is one of his shorter novels.

What did you like best about this story?

Trollope descriptions of place and character are detailed enough (too much so, some say) to make you feel you're right there even though it's a long time ago. I liked this story especially because of the conflict with a newspaper and the "power of the press". Also, the dynamics of a small town and the relationship between church and its people is interesting.

Which character – as performed by Timothy West – was your favorite?

That's what's so great about Timothy West: he alters his voice just enough so that each character is distinct. He almost always reads as if he is finding it just as interesting as you will.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Too long for one setting, but because Trollope issued them in periodicals (as did Dickens), he recaps just a little of the previous chapter so you can continue easily where you left off.

Any additional comments?

I wish Audible would make it possible to find the BOOK'S chapters rather than the so-called chapters (really sections of the download because it was a long book). It's hard to find where I was or to find a previous chapter if I want to hear it again.

I enjoyed the prose and style of this novel quite a bit. The reader gave good voice to the characters and I especially liked his bombastic style for the newspaper articles and political pamphlets. His characterization of the warden and his son-in-law were just perfect.

Took me a little while to get into. For some reason I've never read any Trollope. It was a gentle book, and I was drawn into the story after a few chapters. Well narrated, although there were slightly strange gaps between chapters.

It's hard to explain just how good Timothy West's readings of Trollope are. The authorial voice is humane, wise, and various and overcomes Trollope's prosiness and repeated turns of phrase. The characters are all wonderfully done - lively and distinct without caricature. This is how audiobooks should be done - a reader who enhances the books rather than, as so many are, being an obstacle to be endured in order to get at the book behind. Bliss.

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

Ben

BirminghamUnited Kingdom

10/8/09

Overall

"A delight"

A beautiful reading of a tremendously touching novel. Timothy West is an outstanding narrator.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

kerrymay

Emsworth

5/4/12

Overall

"Beautiful"

The combination of Timothy West and Trollope has got to be my very favourite Audible experience.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Linda

Chesterfield, United Kingdom

8/25/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wonderful classic!"

Would you consider the audio edition of The Warden to be better than the print version?

I really do believe that listening to this version of the audio book has been a better experience than reading the printed edition. Having loved the tv series some years ago it was easy to visualise the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Warden?

Each scene that contains Dr. Grantley are moments to savour. The humour in how he displays his Victorian Christianity is legendary. The insights that Trollope gives us into the behaviour of the press in the 19th century demonstrates that little has changed in 150 years.

What does Timothy West bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Timothy West reads this story majestically. He brings the characters alive, makes the 19th century language easily understandable and his voice is comforting and confidential. So many books can be spoiled by the narrator but I would buy any narrated by Mr. West.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The Warden is the sort of tale that makes you smile a lot rather than laugh out loud. It certainly makes the listener consider the behaviours and attitudes of the 19th century communities - so little difference from today.

Any additional comments?

Usually I listen to my books in bed and very often fall asleep but with The Warden I didn't want to miss one word of this entertaining story (even though I already know it). I have savoured it over a full month. Trollope and West together are really that good in my opinion. Buy and enjoy. Excellent!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Judy Corstjens

5/27/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enduring appeal"

The key moral dilemmas of this novel (church sinecures giving undeserved wealth to fortunate insiders) belong to the nineteenth century and could seem a bit remote today. However, the way that this undeserved money affects the protagonists, their different reactions, the guilt, the temptations and family relationships is universal and timeless. Perhaps a bit goody-goody for today's tastes, a touch sentimental. I enjoyed it, nonetheless, as a gentle summer listen. A holiday in the pleasant surroundings of a Cathedral Close in the 1850s.

Timothy West delivers Trollope's elegant sentences with the skill of an actor. Some books are better on the page, but I think this little jewel sparkles more brightly as an audiobook.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

sora

UK

5/14/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enjoyable and relevant - brilliantly narrated"

I really enjoyed this. It is read very well by Timothy West and jogs along at a good pace except for one or two sections when Trollope has a bit of a rant about the press or the church. It is noticeably lacking in dramatic tension at times, for example when the Warden spends a day killing time in London and...nothing much happens! But somehow it doesn't matter because you have spent time in the company of the warden and his ethical dilemmas and human scruples, his cowardice and his courage. The conclusion of what happens to the hospital is a bit conservative for me but not too improbable. Although the focus here is on the power and wealth of the church, the conflicts are not a million miles from today's debates about inequality, tax avoiders and the 1%.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Philip

5/10/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"West is a Wonder!!!"

What made the experience of listening to The Warden the most enjoyable?

Timothy West's narration is a joy, with great characters and a spot-on portrayal of the novel's historical context. West's recreation of Trollope's Victorian England has made this great writer so much more accessible for me. Highly recommended!

Which character – as performed by Timothy West – was your favourite?

The blustering self-righteous archdeacon, Dr. Grantly, is particularly well portrayed.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

eatough1999

Northumberland, UK

12/17/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Loved it!"

First foray into the literary charms of Trollope and I was entranced, despite the slow start whereupon I thought I would not take to it at all It is incredible that such a story can be founded upon the premise of the morality of a source of income,. and the wiles and motives of the main characters surrounding it and the perceived need of right and personal rights. On asserting one's own right does this impinge on another's?. The narrative makes you think about this which I find quite satisfying..a work of fiction that has the charms of a good storyline yet with the underlying need to think about the content. I think this would be an excellent choice for a book club to discuss.

The narrative was flowing and flowery brought to life by West. I found him so easy to listen to and his pronunciation was excellent.

I can well imagine that this book will not suit all tastes, having just finished a Margaret Dickonson novel also a first for myself The Warden was a completely different literary experience and took time to switch into the prose. The antiquated language may for some be a struggle and not suit the modern listener.Yet it is worth persevering with as there is richness in its tone.

Onto the next book in the series

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mr. G. Bridgeman-Clarke

Rayleigh, United Kingdom

12/16/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"A good read"

Never read a book by Trollope before but really enjoyed the prose and the story.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Kay Fisher

10/14/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Exceptionally enjoyable"

Having just finished listening to this wonderful book I read through the reviews and cannot add further to that left by Linda of Chesterfield. I agree with every word and am so looking forward to hearing Timothy West narrating Barchester Towers next.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.